EU calls on Egyptian authorities to halt violence

BRUSSELS Nov 20 (Reuters) - The European Union's
foreign policy chief urged interim authorities in Egypt on
Sunday to halt violence against protesters and ensure a
democratic transition following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak
in February.

Catherine Ashton said in a statement she was "extremely
concerned" about violent clashes over the weekend, particularly
in Cairo's Tahrir Square, where police backed by the army used
batons and teargas on Sunday.

Egypt's state news agency reported three dead in a second
day of violence on Sunday and 192 wounded as demonstrators
demand the ruling generals hand power to civilians. Medical
sources say as many as 11 people died on Sunday.

"I urge calm and restraint and condemn the use of violence
in the strongest terms," she said. "There is no doubt that the
transitional process is a difficult and challenging one."

"I reiterate that the interim authorities and all parties
concerned have the crucial task of listening to the people and
protecting their democratic aspirations."

Egypt is due to hold a parliamentary election starting on
Nov. 28 but protesters accuse the army of seeking to keep power
from behind the scenes until a presidential election which may
happen late next year or in early 2013.

Ashton also said she was concerned about military trials and
an ongoing emergency law in Egypt which was revived by the
interim military rulers after the toppling of Mubarak.

"Law and order must be ensured in a manner respectful of
human rights," she said. "Citizens and political parties'
demands that the transition moves forward and safeguards the
principles of democracy must be listened to."

British Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt also condemned
the clashes, saying in a statement the deaths were "deeply
regrettable".

"It is important Egypt enters the coming elections in an
atmosphere of calm and mutual respect," he said.
(Reporting by Justyna Pawlak)